SEARCH RESULTS

Written By:  Tania Villalón Rivera , Parent Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida As testing season approaches, it’s normal for kids (and parents!) to feel a little nervous. The good news? The way children feel  going into a test can make a huge difference. With a few small changes at home, you can help your child feel calm, confident, and ready to do their best. Focus on Effort, Not Perfection Tests aren’t about being perfect, they’re about giving your best effort. When children know that hard work matters more than a score, they feel more confident and less pressured.Try saying things like: “Just do your best, that’s what matters.” “I’m proud of how hard you’re working.” “Mistakes are okay, that’s how we learn!” Talk About Feelings It’s completely normal for kids to have butterflies in their stomach before a test. Reassure them that these feelings are okay, and common!You might say: “It’s okay to feel nervous, lots of kids feel that way.” “Your brain is just getting ready to do something important!”Sometimes, simply talking about emotions can help kids relax. Keep Routines Steady Consistency helps children feel safe and focused. Try to keep daily routines simple and predictable during testing days.Helpful habits include: Getting to bed at a regular time Keeping mornings calm and unhurried Avoiding late-night studying or last-minute cramming Practice Calm-Down Strategies Teach your child a few tools they can use if they start feeling nervous during a test.Practice together: Taking slow, deep breaths Repeating positive thoughts like “I can do this” Doing short stretches or movement breaks Support Healthy Habits A healthy body fuels a sharp mind!Keep it simple by: Making sure your child gets a good night’s sleep Offering nutritious meals and snacks Encouraging outdoor play or movement before and after school Keep It in Perspective Remind your child that one test does not define them. Growth, effort, and progress matter far more than a single score.Encouraging words to share: “This is just one way to show what you know.” “You are amazing no matter what!” We’re in This Together Your encouragement means everything. When children know their families are cheering them on, they walk into testing with confidence and courage. If you have questions or need support, remember, you’re not alone. The UCP team is here to help every step of the way. Together, we can make this testing season a positive, empowering experience for your child.

Written By:   Amany Elganbihy , 5th Grade Teacher at UCP In my 5th grade classroom at UCP, building confident readers begins with creating a safe, encouraging environment where every student feels valued. One strategy I use daily is collaborative vocabulary learning. When we introduce a new vocabulary word, I present it on a vocabulary card and invite students to work together to figure out the meaning using context clues, prior knowledge, and discussion. There is no pressure to be “perfect.” Even when a student’s answer is not quite correct, I always acknowledge their effort and thinking. This helps students understand that making mistakes are part of learning and that trying is something to be proud of. Over time, this approach builds confidence and encourages students to participate without fear. Families can support this same confidence at home by making reading and vocabulary exploration a shared experience. Reading together for just 10 to 15 minutes a day, talking about unfamiliar words, and asking questions like, “What do you think this word might mean?” helps children strengthen comprehension and fluency. When adults respond positively, even when answers are not exact, children learn that their ideas matter. Celebrating effort, curiosity, and growth is just as important as celebrating correct answers. Modeling reading at home also shows children that reading is meaningful and enjoyable beyond school. Every child’s reading journey is unique, and growth happens best when children feel supported both at school and at home. At UCP, we believe confidence is the foundation of strong literacy skills. By encouraging discussion, valuing effort, and creating positive reading experiences, we help children see themselves as capable, confident readers. When students believe in themselves, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love for reading.

Written By: Kristy Bautista-Harris OTD, OTR/L Spring is here — a great time for movement, sensory play, and hands-on learning. Below you’ll find important dates, practical tips for home and school, activity ideas, and celebrations of student progress. Focus of the Month: Fine Motor & Handwriting Skills Fine motor skills are essential for writing, self-care, and classroom participation. Strengthening these skills supports independence and confidence. Quick ideas families can try at home: Bead stringing or lacing cards (hand strengthening and bilateral coordination) Cutting shapes with scissors (scissor control and precision) Playdough or clay for hand strengthening (pinch, roll, flatten) Rainbow writing with colored pencils (fun repetition for letter formation) Tip of the Month: Movement Breaks! Short movement breaks improve attention and energy regulation. Try quick 2–5 minute activities: Jumping jacks or hopscotch outdoors Balance beam or stepping-stone activities (use tape or cushions indoors) Quick sensory circuits using classroom or household objects (e.g., crawl, hop, push a small box) These mini-breaks are easy to add between lessons and help students return to work ready to focus. School-Based Occupational Spring Themed Activities Plant & Grow Supports handwriting, tool use, and responsibility Skills: fine motor strength, bilateral coordination, sequencing) Steps: Scoop soil into cups, pinch seeds, and water plants Tear paper towels to line pots Draw and label plant growth stages Spring Cutting Station Differentiates easily for multiple skill levels Skills: scissor skills, hand strength, coordination Steps: Cut out flowers, butterflies, or rain shapes Snip straws to create flower stems Cut along curved and zig-zag lines Rainy Day Sensory Play Supports calming and focus Skills: sensory processing, fine motor control Steps: Dropper play with blue water (“raindrops”) Cotton ball clouds using tongs Finger paint rain scenes Frog Jump Math & Movement Integrates academics + OT seamlessly Skills: gross motor, coordination, attention Steps: Jump to numbered lily pads Combine counting or spelling with movement Frog hops between tasks Ongoing Support Thank you for your ongoing support in practicing skills at home and celebrating student progress with us. We look forward to collaborating with you this spring — please reach out with questions, ideas, or to request resources! Please feel free to contact Dr. Kristy Bautista-Harris OTD, OTR/L for any questions!! kristy.bautista@ucpcfl.org

Written By Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Clinical Counselor Spring break offers families something we don’t always have during the busy school year — a slower pace and a little extra time together. Between early mornings, homework, work schedules, and after-school commitments, it can be difficult to find meaningful moments to simply connect. This break provides a natural opportunity to pause, reset, and focus on strengthening your relationship with your child through intentional one-on-one time. Research consistently shows that children who feel connected to their caregivers experience improved emotional regulation, stronger communication skills, and fewer behavioral challenges. Even small amounts of focused attention can make a big impact. Setting aside just 10–15 minutes a day of uninterrupted time (without phones or distractions) allows children to feel heard, valued, and supported. Letting your child choose the activity and following their lead helps build confidence and trust while reinforcing that their interests matter. Connection doesn’t have to be elaborate or costly. Simple activities like taking a walk, cooking together, playing a game, completing a puzzle, or talking at bedtime can create meaningful moments. These everyday interactions often open the door for important conversations and help children share their thoughts and feelings more comfortably. When children feel emotionally secure at home, they are better prepared to manage challenges and transitions when they return to school. As we head into spring break, I encourage families to view this time as an opportunity to recharge and reconnect. Small, consistent efforts to build connection now can positively influence your child’s behavior, mood, and overall well-being long after the break ends. High–Low–Buffalo At dinner or bedtime, everyone shares: High (best part of the day) Low (hard part) Buffalo (something random or silly) Great for kids who don’t open up with “How was your day?” Side-by-Side Time Some kids talk more when they’re doing, not sitting face-to-face.: Drawing together Folding laundry together Car rides Walking the dog Conversations happen naturally with less pressure. Teach Me Something Ask your child to teach you something they love (a game, dance, hobby, app, or sport). This flips the roles and builds confidence and connection. 10-Minute “Special Time” https://www.integratedbhs.com/the-10-minute-miracle-using-focused-time-to-transform-connection-and-behavior/ Set a timer for 10-15 minutes engaging in an activity your child selects. Follow their lead and focus on listening and connecting rather than directing or correcting. Consistent, undivided attention can strengthen trust and improve behavior.

Written By:  Tania Villalón Rivera , Parent Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida As we enter the final months of the school year, consistent attendance plays a critical role in helping students finish strong. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, demonstrate stronger reading and math growth, and feel more connected to their school community. Even missing two days per month can add up to nearly a month of lost instructional time over the course of a school year, making it harder to master new skills before moving to the next grade level. The weeks after Spring Break are especially important. This is often when teachers introduce new concepts, complete end-of-year projects, and prepare students for assessments and transitions. Reestablishing strong routines right away—such as consistent bedtimes, organized mornings, and positive conversations about school—can help students regain momentum and stay engaged. If your child seems hesitant about returning after the break, start with open communication and encouragement. Remind them of their progress, friendships, and goals for the remainder of the year. Partnering with your child’s teacher or campus team can also provide added support if needed. By prioritizing daily attendance and maintaining steady routines, families help students build confidence, responsibility, and the academic foundation they need for next year. Let’s work together to ensure every student finishes the year motivated, successful, and proud of their growth — because every day truly counts.

Writen By: Amany Elganbihy , 5th Grade Teacher at UCP Returning to school after a long break, such as winter break, can be exciting for students—but it can also feel overwhelming. In my 5th-grade classroom at UCP, I believe that easing back into routines should feel welcoming, positive, and motivating rather than stressful. One of the first things I do after a break is revisit classroom expectations using bright, engaging slides that immediately capture students’ attention. I invite students to read the expectations with me, discuss them, and reflect on why they are important. This shared discussion helps students feel included, respected, and ready to re-engage with learning. To build ownership and accountability, we also reviewed a classroom expectations agreement that students sign together. This step is not about rules alone, it’s about commitment, teamwork, and starting fresh. I make sure students know exactly what to expect in the days ahead, including routines, goals, and upcoming activities. Throughout this process, I focus heavily on positive reinforcement. I acknowledge effort, celebrating cooperation, and continuously motivate students, reminding them that they are capable and valued members of our classroom community. When students feel encouraged rather than pressured, they are more willing to participate and take responsibility for their learning. Families can support this transition at home by maintaining consistent routines, offering encouragement, and talking positively about returning to school. Simple actions—such as setting regular bedtime schedules, discussing daily goals, and praising effort—can make a big difference. At UCP, we believe that strong routines paired with motivation and positivity help students thrive. When children feel supported and excited about what they are doing, easing back into routines becomes an opportunity for growth, confidence, and renewed love for learning.

Written By: Elizabeth Davila , School Business Manager, UCP of Central Florida Marissa is making wonderful, joyful progress as her school and home experiences continue to come together. Every day, she is becoming more independent—confidently throwing away her trash, getting her shoes, and staying in her designated area on her own. These small but meaningful milestones reflect her growing confidence, sense of responsibility, and comfort navigating daily routines. Her self-awareness and social skills are also blossoming in exciting ways. One area of remarkable growth has been her engagement in parallel play, an important step in social development. She is learning to interact alongside her peers, observing, sharing space, and beginning to connect in meaningful ways, all of which lay the foundation for more advanced social interactions in the future. Marissa’s progress highlights the power of consistency and collaboration between home and school. By supporting her across environments, she is able to practice skills in multiple settings, building confidence and independence at every turn. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of how patience, encouragement, and tailored support can help children thrive—growing not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We couldn’t be prouder of Marissa and the steady, joyful strides she is making each day!

Written By: Ann M. Our students recently wrapped up an exciting 10-day weather study with a hands-on showcase of their learning! Over the course of the project, they completed engaging, interactive tasks designed to deepen their understanding of weather concepts and build practical skills. As part of the experience, students partnered with their families to create weather reporting projects, giving them the chance to practice real-world communication and share their learning beyond the classroom. The culmination of their efforts was a vibrant gallery walk along the hallway, where they proudly displayed their projects and invited other classes to explore, ask questions, and celebrate their hard work. This event highlighted not only the students’ growing confidence as young scientists but also their creativity, collaboration, and excitement for learning. It was a wonderful way to bring the classroom community together and showcase the power of hands-on, family-connected learning!

Written By: Sarah Duncan , UCP of Central Florida When you meet Gigi, a bright and determined third grader at UCP, the first thing you notice is her smile and soon after, her voice. Funny, outgoing, and full of personality, Gigi has a way of drawing people in. As she continues to develop her communication and social skills, those around her are getting to know her more and more, and it’s impossible not to love the joyful, spirited person she is becoming. Gigi’s journey with UCP began when she was just a baby. From the very start, she has received consistent therapies that have supported her development and helped her build a strong foundation for growth. Over the years, her progress has been remarkable. She has come such a long way in her communication, mobility, fine-motor, and academic skills, showing determination and resilience at every step. Today, Gigi is able to engage in reciprocal conversations, sharing her thoughts and ideas while listening and responding to others. She confidently advocates for her needs, an important milestone that reflects her growing independence and self-awareness. She is also connecting more deeply with the people around her—forming relationships with teachers, therapists, classmates, and friends. As these skills continue to develop, Gigi’s personality shines even brighter, allowing everyone to truly see her sense of humor and outgoing nature. UCP has played a vital role in Gigi’s success . Through consistent therapies, wonderful teachers, and a supportive, inclusive classroom environment, Gigi has been given the tools she needs to thrive. Her teachers work tirelessly to support her academically, while her therapists focus on building skills that translate into everyday independence. Her classmates, who learn alongside her, help create a welcoming environment where differences are embraced and friendships can flourish. At home, Gigi’s growth brings daily moments of pride and happiness. Her mom shares, “She amazes me, her independence and strong will are qualities that I admire. She surprises me every day by using new words randomly within conversations that I didn’t know she knew! Those moments make my heart so happy!” These spontaneous moments are powerful reminders of how much Gigi is learning and how far she has come. While Gigi’s journey is ongoing, her progress is undeniable. As her mom lovingly reflects, “I know there is a long way to go, but the improvement is undeniable. I am certain that with love, kindness, and hard work she will do amazing things!” That belief, combined with Gigi’s determination and the support of the UCP community, continues to fuel her success. Gigi’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and joy. She is finding her voice, building her independence, and sharing her wonderful personality with the world. With each new skill, we get to know her a little more—and it’s clear that Gigi’s future is full of amazing possibilities.

Written By:   Anna O'Connor Morin , Associate Superintendent Families often ask for a one to one (1:1) adult support person for their student because they want their child to be safe, successful, and supported—and that makes complete sense. While 1:1 support can be helpful in very specific situations, it is not always the best long-term approach for students in special education. Most Restrictive Support A full-time 1:1 adult is considered one of the most restrictive forms of support. It places an adult with the student at all times, which can unintentionally limit opportunities for the student to: Learn alongside peers Practice problem-solving independently Build confidence in their own abilities Special education services aim to provide the least restrictive supports possible while still meeting a student’s needs. Barriers to Independence Although a 1:1 aide is meant to help, constant adult support can sometimes: Create reliance on an adult instead of learning skills independently Reduce motivation to try tasks on their own Make it harder for the student to generalize skills when the adult is not present Our goal is to help students develop skills they can use across settings—at school, at home, and in the community. Impact on Social Development Having an adult nearby always can: Make it harder for students to interact naturally with peers Increase feelings of being “different” from classmates Limit opportunities to practice social problem-solving Peer relationships are an important part of learning and growth. Skill-Building vs. Support Dependence Instead of focusing on “doing for” a student, we want to focus on teaching skills: Using visual supports Providing structured routines Teaching coping and self-regulation strategies Offering small-group or shared adult support when needed These approaches encourage growth while still providing safety and structure. Our Shared Goal We all want the same thing: for students to feel safe, confident, capable, and successful—both now and in the future. By using thoughtful, less restrictive supports, we can help students build the independence they need to thrive.

Written by: Tania Villalon, Parent Engagement Coordinator We know mornings can be busy, schedules can be tight, and life happens. Still, one of the most powerful ways families can support their child’s success is something simple but important: helping them be at school every day. Research consistently shows that regular school attendance plays a major role in how children learn, grow, and thrive over time. What Good Attendance Really Means Missing school occasionally is expected. Children get sick, and family needs come up. What makes a difference is how often absences happen over time. Education research shows that missing about two days a month may not feel like much, but over a school year it adds up to 18 days. Students who miss this much school are considered chronically absent, which has been linked to learning gaps and lower academic performance. Why Showing Up Matters Especially in the Early Years When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to: Keep up with reading and math Feel confident participating in class Develop strong learning routines In the early grades, attendance is especially important. Studies show that students who miss too much school in elementary years are less likely to read on grade level by third grade, an important milestone connected to long term school success. Attendance Today Shapes Tomorrow As students get older, attendance continues to matter. Patterns of frequent absences in middle and high school are strongly linked to difficulty graduating on time. Even one year of chronic absence can increase the risk of falling behind or becoming disengaged from school. Schools use attendance trends as an early signal to provide support and help students stay on track. School Is About More Than Academics School is not just about lessons and grades. It is where children build friendships, connect with caring adults, and access important supports like meals, counseling, and academic help. When students miss school often, they can begin to feel disconnected from classmates and the school community. Health and education experts now recognize regular attendance as an important part of a child’s overall wellbeing. How Families Can Help And How We Can Help You No one expects perfect attendance. The goal is to avoid patterns of frequent absences when possible. A few helpful tips: Aim for no more than a few absences a year, and watch for patterns like missing a day or two each month Schedule appointments outside school hours when you can Plan family trips during school breaks Reach out if your child is feeling anxious, struggling with transportation, or facing other challenges If something is making attendance difficult, please let us know. Schools and families work best when we partner early to problem solve and support students. Our goal is the same as yours: helping your child feel confident, connected, and successful. When families and schools work together around attendance, students benefit now and in the years to come. Every day really does count, and together we can make each one matter.

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin , Senior Director of Education What Is Reading Fluency? Reading fluency is a child’s ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. A fluent reader doesn’t have to stop and sound out every word—they can read in a way that sounds natural, like talking. When children read fluently, they can focus on understanding the story or information, not just figuring out the words. Fluency is an important bridge between learning to read and reading to learn. Fluency includes three main parts: Accuracy – reading words correctly Rate – reading at a comfortable, not rushed, speed Expression – reading with feeling, appropriate pauses, and voice changes How Can Families Practice Reading Fluency at Home? The best way to build fluency is regular, relaxed reading practice. Here are simple ways to help at home: 1. Read TogetherTake turns reading aloud or read the same text together. Hearing a fluent reader helps children learn how reading should sound. 2. Reread Favorite BooksReading the same book more than once builds confidence and smoothness. This is a good thing—even if your child memorizes parts of the book. 3. Model Expressive ReadingRead aloud with excitement, different voices, and clear pauses. Children learn fluency by listening. 4. Short, Daily PracticeFive to ten minutes of reading each day is more effective than long sessions once in a while. 5. Encourage, Don’t Correct Too MuchIf your child makes a mistake but the meaning is clear, let them keep going. Fluency grows when reading feels enjoyable and successful. Fun Fluency Activities to Try Echo Reading: You read a sentence with expression, then your child repeats it. Choral Reading: Read together at the same pace, with you slightly ahead. Repeated Reading: Have your child reread favorite passages 3-4 times to build speed and confidence. Make It Playful & Expressive Use silly voices for characters or read like a robot, villain, or elf. Turn reading into a game: time your child and celebrate improvements. Record your child reading and listen together to notice progress. Support Beyond Practice Read aloud to your child daily — choose books just above their reading level. Talk about new words and ask questions about the story. Celebrate every small success to keep motivation high! Remember Fluency takes time to develop. Celebrate effort and progress, and keep reading a positive, low-stress experience. Enjoying books together is one of the best ways to support your child’s reading growth.